Travel to Lithuania for work
Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Lithuania and how to get one if you do.
This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.
This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
Entry requirements
If you’re going to Lithuania to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.
Lithuania is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.
If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.
The Lithuanian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.
You must always check with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.
If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.
If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.
Visa and permit documents
This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Lithuania. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.
It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:
- translated
- ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
- originals, or if copies are acceptable
- signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
- dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application
Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.
This guide uses the same terms used in Lithuania, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Lithuania’s authorities.
Check if you need a visa or permit
Certain types of work don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.
All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.
You do not need a visa if you’re travelling to Lithuania for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:
- carrying out business activities, such as meeting clients and colleagues
- transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
- working for a company in Lithuania on a Lithuanian contract
- providing services to a client
- carrying out self-employed work
Notify the authorities
For employed work, your employer in Lithuania has to submit an online LDU notification to the Social Security Fund Board (SoDra).
For assignments or construction work, your UK employer has to submit an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate if you’re working:
- on assignment – for more than 30 days
- in construction – for any length of time
On assignment includes:
- working under a service or performance agreement between a UK company and customer in Lithuania
- transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
- carrying out temporary work
Employers have to notify the authorities no later than one working day before you start work.
You don’t need to notify the authorities if you’re self-employed.
Border checks
At the border, you may be asked to show:
- proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
- a travelling document, such as a valid passport
- health insurance that covers your entire stay
- proof of accommodation for your entire stay
- enough money for the duration of your trip
- an invitation letter from the Lithuanian company that explains your trip
- employment confirmation or contract
Further checks
If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit you can get advice from Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
Applying for a visa or permit
This guide outlines the steps required for each permit, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Lithuania’s embassy or immigration authorities.
Taking your family
You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of permit you have.
Find out about family reunification.
Short and long-term residence permits
You need to apply for a National D visa if you want to work in Lithuania for up to 6 months.
If you’re working for more than 6 months, you’ll need to extend your visa or apply for a temporary residence permit instead.
Working in Lithuania for up to 6 months
You need a D visa if you’re in Lithuania for between 3 and 6 months because you’re:
- a shareholder or head of a company operating in Lithuania – as specified in formal company documentation, such as the incorporation certificate
- an exchange student in Lithuania
- a seafarer, arriving on a vessel sailing under a Republic of Lithuania flag
- a journalist accredited by the Lithuanian Authority
- working as a lecturer, researcher, athlete or trainer in Lithuania
- unable to leave Lithuania due to any of the following: illness, other health disorder or condition of the body, unforeseen personal circumstances or force majeure
- arriving based on international treaties or agreements
- in other cases when the purpose of arrival to Lithuania is for long-term stay including the following: medical treatment or medical rehabilitation, professional qualifications or volunteering programmes)
For other activities not listed above, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit.
A national D visa can take 15 to 45 days to get. It’s valid for up to 12 months and can only be extended if more than 180 days have passed since the expiration of the previous national D visa. You can only extend it once. You can apply for a temporary residence permit to extend your stay longer if you need to.
Your family may be able to join you under the Schengen visa waiver. They can also apply for their own national D visa. Find out about family reunification.
How it works
You need to check with Lithuania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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You submit a national D visa application online via the Lithuania Migration Information system (MIGRIS).
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If you are in the UK, you must submit your biometric data at a VFS Global Centre by booking and attending an in-person appointment. If you are already in Lithuania, you must submit your biometric data by booking and attending an in-person appointment at the Lithuanian Migration Department.
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The Lithuanian company who will be employing you submits an online notification (LDU) to Social Security Fund Board (SoDra) informing the authorities of your employment in Lithuania. This should be completed no later than one working day before you start work.
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Additionally, if you’re on an assignment or a construction worker your UK employer submits an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate no later than one working day before you start work.
Application documents
Lithuania’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
- completed application
- UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date - the passport must be issued within the past 10 years and have a minimum of 2 blank pages
- passport photo (35mm x 45mm) taken within 6 months of applying
- health insurance that covers your entire stay
- proof you can support yourself financially for at least 3 months
- the Lithuanian company who will be employing you will need to submit an official invitation letter mediation letter online via MIGRIS confirming the purpose of your stay
Working in Lithuania for more than 3 months
You need a temporary residence permit if you’re in Lithuania for 3 months to 3 years because you’re:
- transferring from a UK-based company to a branch in Lithuania
- working for a company in Lithuania on a Lithuanian contract
- providing services to a client in Lithuania
- carrying out self-employed work
- engaging in other work activities
- a shareholder or head of a company operating in Lithuania – as specified in the company’s incorporation documents
A temporary residence permit can take 2 months to get. In urgent cases, the application can be processed in 1 month.
It’s valid for up to 3 years and you can extend it. It can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
If you have a family they can join you with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.
How it works
You need to check with Lithuania’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
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You create an online account and apply for a temporary residence permit.
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The Lithuanian company who will be employing you submits an online notification (LDU) to Social Security Fund Board (SoDra) informing the authorities of your employment in Lithuania. This should be completed no later than one working day before you start work.
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If you’re on assignment or a construction worker your UK employer submits an online notification to the Lithuanian State Labour Inspectorate no later than one working day before you start work.
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If you are in the UK, you must submit your biometric data at a VFS Global Centre by booking and attending an in-person appointment. If you are already in Lithuania, you must submit your biometric data at the by booking and attending an in-person appointment at the Lithuanian Migration Department.
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You collect your temporary residence permit from the VFS Global Centre or immigration office.
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You declare your place of residence to the Migration Department or municipality (local authority) within 1 month of collecting your permit.
Application documents
Depending on the type of the Temporary Residence Permit you are applying for, the Lithuanian authorities may request some of the following documents:
- UK passport for you and any dependants
- health insurance for a minimum of 1 year or the length of your anticipated residence permit if it is for longer than 1 year
- proof that you can support yourself financially for at least 3 months
- police certificate (legalised with an apostille), if you’ve had a conviction in the last 2 years
- marriage certificate, if married and your spouse is joining you
- birth certificates for any children joining you (legalised with an apostille)
They may also need additional documents depending on the purpose of your visit, such as:
- employment contract or offer
- documents confirming the company is carrying out the activities it’s registered to carry out
- proof that you’re working as a performer or in sports, if applicable
- journalist’s accreditation card, if applicable
- certificate showing you’re accredited for your profession, if applicable
- a description of the work activity you’re intending to carry out
- compliance certificate if your profession is regulated
Lithuanian government guidance
Read official Lithuanian government information on visas and permits.
Check for travel changes
European governments may update or change their rules without notice.
You should always check general travel advice for Lithuania on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates
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Minor legislation updates made to short-stay D visa process and updates to hyperlinks made to English language versions of webpages.
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A D visa is now valid for up to 12 months changed from up to 6 months. You need a temporary residence permit if you're working in Lithuania for between 3 months to 3 years, changed from 6 months to 3 years. The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.
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Change to who will need a D visa if in Lithuania for between 3 and 6 months.Change to process of applying for a D visa if you are in Lithuania for up to 6 months.Change to application documents authorities may request if you are applying for a visa for up to 6 months:Change to the application process for a temporary residence permit if you are working in Lithuania for more than 6 months. Change to the type of documents Lithuanian authorities may request if you are working in Lithuania for more than 6 months.(The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).
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Updated the guidance on temporary residence permits. You can now submit your biometrics and collect your permit at the VFS Global Centre in the UK. Temporary permits can take 2 months to get. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).
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Updated 'Temporary residence permit' section: You only need a police clearance certificate if you've had a conviction in the last 2 years. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).
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Applications for temporary residence permits are now taking 3 months to process. In urgent cases applications can be processed in 1.5 months. You no longer require proof of accommodation or a police clearance certificate. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.
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You can extend the National D visa once. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.
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First published.